Reading Crown Court: Thatcham man accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent

A MAN has appeared in court following a stabbing charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

In the dock at Reading Magistrates' Court on Monday, February 14, was Andrew Parker.

The 38-year-old, of The Broadway, Thatcham, is charged that, on or about Tuesday, February 22, in Tilehurst, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Shane O'Connor with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Mr Parker was further accused of conspiring with another person at The Victoria pub in Norcot Road, Tilehurst, on the same date, to cause Shane O'Connor grievous bodily harm - but this charge was withdrawn.

Mr Parker, who was legally represented at the preliminary hearing by David Gilmartin, spoke only to confirm his details.

He was told that the case was so serious that it lay beyond the jurisdiction of a magistrates' court.

The case was therefore referred to Reading Crown Court to be heard, on a date to be fixed, by a judge and, in the event of a trial, by a jury.

Mr Parker was meanwhile granted conditional bail.